By Daniel Bampoe
Accra will today, Friday, August 15, 2025, host a solemn state funeral to bid final farewell to six of the eight victims of the August 6 military helicopter crash in Adansi Akrufuom, Ashanti Region — a national tragedy that has plunged the country into deep mourning.
The disaster, which claimed the lives of prominent public figures and Ghana Air Force officers, occurred during a trip to Obuasi for anti-galamsey programme launch.
All eight onboard perished, prompting a week of national grief, flags flown at half-mast, and urgent investigations into the cause of the crash.
A Two-Part Burial
While two victims — Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed and Alhaji Muniru Mohammed Limuna — were buried on Sunday, August 10, in accordance with Islamic traditions, the remaining six will be laid to rest today in an elaborate ceremony with full military honours at the Military Cemetery, Burma Camp.
The deceased for today’s burial are:
Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister of Defence
Dr. Samuel Sarpong, NDC Vice Chairman
Samuel Aboagye, a former parliamentary candidate for Obuasi East and NADMO deputy Director General
Squadron Leader Peter Baafemi Anala- Pilot
Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu- Co-Pilot
Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah- Technician
Ceremony Details
The Ghana Armed Forces will lead the funeral rites at the Black Star Square, beginning with an interfaith prayer service between 7:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.
Vice President Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang is expected to arrive at 8:50 a.m., followed by President John Dramani Mahama at exactly 9:00 a.m.
The three-hour programme will include the reading of biographies for all eight victims, tributes from widows, children, the military, government officials, and institutional representatives, as well as a roll call of honour to mark their service to the nation.
Following the ceremony, the bodies will be escorted under tight military guard to the military cemetery at for interment, in collaboration with the religious denominations of the deceased.
Security and Traffic Arrangements
Given the high-profile nature of the funeral, the Ghana Police Service has announced extensive road closures and diversions to ensure safety and smooth traffic flow. Roads near Black Star Square — where some segments of the event will be observed — will be blocked, including 28th February Road, Castle Road, Starlet 91 Road, and parts of Osu Cemetery Road.
Traffic will be rerouted through alternative roads such as Salem Avenue, Oxford Street, Ajumaku Street, and Liberia Road.
Designated parking areas include the Black Star Square, the forecourt of the State House, the International Conference Centre, Accra Sports Stadium, and several ministry car parks.
Only vehicles with special VVIP stickers will be granted access into the main arena.
Police have also warned that any vehicle parked in unauthorized areas will be towed.
A Nation’s Final Goodbye
Deputy Chief of Staff Stan Dogbe has urged the public to arrive early and cooperate with security personnel to ensure order during the event, which is expected to draw senior government officials, foreign dignitaries, and hundreds of mourners.
